Greetings from Swedlanda!
No, the church did not blow away while the pastor was gone, although we did lose a tree and some branches during a wind storm. I have been away from Swedlanda for a while and was not here for services on the past three Sundays, so this will be the first blog posting since mid July.
My wife Nancy and I attended the ELCA Global Mission Event in LaCrosse, WI, which was held July 17-20. We had not been to one for several years and found it to be a wonderful experience. Each day there was great music with sing-a-longs and plenary sessions with speakers from all over the world. There was a Global Fest where you could see displays from many countries and nearly 100 workshops on many topics relating to mission. Needless to say, we were kept very busy. The Women of Hope, Mashiah Foundation from
During the week following the GME, I had classes at Luther Seminary as part of my Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Mission and Leadership program. It was an intense but rewarding week of long days and homework at night. The eleven pastors who make up our cohort are from all over the country—
I was back during the following week, but left again for a six-day mission work trip to Lee Valley Ranch near Custer, SD. What a great place for spiritual renewal and community building! I am putting up a link to their website on the right-hand side of the Swedlanda Blog. While there, Jim R., Gary D. and I put up steel siding on
It was good to be back at Swedlanda for Sunday worship today, but it was also difficult. Many were already aware of my own health concerns, because my name has appeared on the Prayer List for the last two Sundays. Last Friday, I received a diagnosis of prostate cancer based on a biopsy taken two weeks ago. This week I will have a CAT scan and bone scan, then follow up appointments with a radiologist and surgeon to talk about treatment. God continues to be present with me and my family during this time and I have felt surrounded by the prayers of the Swedlanda congregation as well. Thank you. The Bible lessons for today seemed especially appropriate for the situation. My message is also available through the link on the right.
Have a blessed week.
Pastor Stewart
Announcements:
Mentor Works Too-Kinship is conducting a Back to School Supply Drive for students in
The Treasurer’s Report for August indicates a checking account balance of $1,191.46 in the general fund. The Building Maintenance Savings Account Balance is $19,104.01.
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